FAQ's

Q: Why is chlorine stabilizer important?
A: Chlorine stabilizer is the chemical cyanuric acid. This chemical puts a "shield" in the pool that will prevent the sun from quickly burning off the chlorine that you put into the pool.

Q: How do I put chlorine stabilizer in my pool?
A: Shut the pool system off.
Shut off the main drain if there is one. If the pool has multiple skimmers shut all but one.
Remove both the pump and the skimmer basket.
Turn the system back on.
VERY SLOWLY pour the stabilizer into the skimmer that is pulling water down into the pump.
Shut system off again.
Replace both baskets.
Start system back up.
Allow the pool to circulate for 72 hours before backwashing the filter.

Q: How often should I shock my pool with chlorine?
A: The pool should be shocked every week. Check the chlorine level with a home test kit to determine the actual level of chlorine in the pool.

Q: How much shock do I add?
A: If the chlorine level is 0.5 - 3.0 a "normal" shock should be added to the pool at a rate of 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
If the chlorine level is below 0.5 a "double" shock should be added to the pool at a rate of 2 pounds per 10,000 gallons of pool water.

Q: How often should I add algaecide to my pool?
A: You should add algaecide 60 to your pool once a week at a rate of 2 ounces per 10,000 gallons.

Q: What is D.E.?
A: Diatomaceous earth is a porous powder with microscopic openings, that, when magnified, look like tiny sponges. Clear water can pass through these openings, but particles, as small as one to three microns, are trapped during the first pass through the media. D.E. filters have internal elements that become coated with D.E. It is this 'filter cake' that strains dirt, dust, algae, and some forms of bacteria from the water.

Q: How do I get to Gallagher's?
A: Directions:
From Baltimore: I-795 North towards Owings Mills/Reisterstown (9 miles) to MD-140 West toward Westminster (17 miles).  Turn left onto S. Pleasant Valley Road.   First Building on the left.

From Sykesville/Eldersburg: Md-26 to MD-97 (10 miles) left onto MD-140 West toward Westminster (6 miles).  Turn left onto S. Pleasant Valley Road.   First Building on the left.

From Hampstead: MD-30 to MD-482 (5 miles).   Turn left onto MD-140 West toward Westminster (5 miles).  Turn left onto S. Pleasant Valley Road.   First Building on the left.